The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State on Wednesday successfully conducted ward congresses across all 192 wards, with leaders emerging through a consensus arrangement.
Speaking to journalists at the party secretariat in Benin City, State Chairman Jarret Tenebe, accompanied by a delegation from the party’s national secretariat, described the exercise as peaceful, orderly, and fully in line with established guidelines.
Tenebe said the congress, held on February 18, 2026, marked a significant milestone in the party’s growth and consolidation in the state.
“The seamless conclusion of the Ward Congresses across Edo State’s 192 wards is another watershed moment in the political evolution of our state. Today, we celebrate not only the successful conduct of a party exercise but also the reaffirmation of our collective commitment to unity, cohesion, transparency, and inclusivity,” he said.
He highlighted that the National Working Committee had provided clear directives for congresses at ward, local government, and state levels, all of which were strictly adhered to in Edo.
“I am pleased to state unequivocally that those guidelines were implemented faithfully in Edo State. The process concluded seamlessly without rancor, without division, and without disharmony among our members,” Tenebe added.
The chairman also referenced Governor Monday Okpebholo’s commitment to delivering 3.5 million votes in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.
“Our Governor has made a bold commitment to deliver 3.5 million votes for our President in 2027. That commitment is not merely symbolic; it is a collective responsibility that requires all of us to play our part,” he said.
Addressing the newly elected ward leaders, Tenebe emphasized the importance of grassroots leadership, describing the ward as the bedrock of the party.
“The ward is the closest arm of the party to the grassroots and the electorate, who ultimately determine outcomes at both state and national levels,” he said.
He tasked the ward executives with strengthening party structures in their communities, mobilizing members, and ensuring that APC policies and programmes resonate with the people.
Tenebe also urged the leaders to encourage eligible citizens to participate in the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration exercise conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), describing it as critical to preparations for the 2027 general elections.
“Accordingly, I charge our newly elected Ward Executives to embark on a massive grassroots mobilization drive to ensure eligible citizens register to vote. Beyond registration, you must also sensitize people on the importance of safeguarding their Permanent Voter Cards. The strength of democracy lies in the ballot, and the ballot begins with registration,” he said.
Finally, Tenebe called on the ward leaders to collaborate closely with their local government executives to sustain the harmony and cohesion within the party.
